rec.autos.simulators

I have a Pentium system running Windows 95. I have a CH Products
Gamecard3 on the system. I have a Joyswitch connected to the gamecard,
and 3 different joysticks connected to the Joyswitch: 1) MS Sidewinder
3D Pro; 2) Thrustmaster FCS (with a WCSII); and 3) a homemade Steering
Wheel controller (single axis, with wires 9 and 11 connected). I don't
know if you are familiar with the "Joyswitch"; it is a black box that
allows you to connect mulitple joysticks and foot controls to a
computer without having to manually swap them when you want to change
controllers. You just flick the switch on the box to indicate which
one you want. This works great in Dos, but in Windows the only stick I
can get to work is the Sidewinder. It is set up under Configuration 1
in the Joystick section of the Controls. This control looks like it
allows up to 16 different joystick configurations, but when ever I
switch configurations and try to set up one of the other controllers,
it tells me it is not installed properly. I cannot calibrate the other
controls, anything. But when I switch back to the Sidewinder,
everything is fine?! I have tried other controllers (gamepads, pedals,
etc...) but I always get the same lack of response.

Any insight, or any ideas on good references regarding joysticks and
Windows 95? I have scoured the system CD, along with a couple tomes of
installation knowledge that I purchased. Not having much luck. Any
insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanx!

B. T. Nagle

 It may be that any joystick selected by the switch is still joystick #1 as
far as Win95 can see.
I think the different configuration settings in Win95 are for different
ports.

I've had exactly the same questions and haven't found anything in
several big books. All they say is how to calibrate a joystick but
nothing about the 16 different settings or whatever it is (none of
which ever seem to work.) One thing I've found is if you turn on the
computer with the joyswitch on a different setting 1,2,3,4 you can
usually calibrate that particular joystick but then next time you want
to use a different one you seem to have to reboot and reset. None of
this really seems to affect using the different joysticks in games.
The joyswitch seems to handle it as long as you start the game with
the right selection. It doesn't seem to work if you boot up say
Indycar 2 and forget to switch to the wheel. You have to exit out,
change the selector, then restart the game for the right stick to be
recognized. Anybody know what this Win95 joystick calibration thing is
all about?

On 15 Oct 1996 23:11:06 GMT, "George Bolton"

<snip>3D Pro; 2) Thrustmaster FCS (with a WCSII); and 3) a homemade
Steering

I would 1st try to get it to work without the joyswitch.
You say the home made wheel has 1 axis....do you have pedals?
I'll assume your wheel is Joystick 1 X-axis (left right)
Is there a Y axis for up/down when using this device or is win 95
reading one of the other controllers axis for Y?

In any case try it as joystick one >> custom and play with the
variations ....may even want to try special >> is a race car
controller.

I beleive the Joyswitch uses the foot controller ports as the 2nd
joystick Y axis....if something is connected there and on....it may be
confusing win95.

Good Luck